open 1 of 3

Definition of opennext
1
as in to unlock
to change from a closed to an open position please open the door to let the cat out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to clear
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions we need to open this drain that's clogged with hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to expand
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area when we got too close, the cardinal opened its wings and flew to a higher branch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in to free
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way snowplows opened the runway without much trouble

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5

open

2 of 3

adjective

1
2
as in public
freely available for use or participation by all the lanes at the bowling alley will be open during the afternoon, but will be available only for league play in the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5
6
7
8
9

open

3 of 3

noun

as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation a daguerreotype of a cowboy whose face is roughened from a hard life in the open

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective open contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of open are exposed, liable, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When could exposed be used to replace open?

The words exposed and open can be used in similar contexts, but exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When can liable be used instead of open?

While in some cases nearly identical to open, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When would prone be a good substitute for open?

While the synonyms prone and open are close in meaning, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When might sensitive be a better fit than open?

The words sensitive and open are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than open?

In some situations, the words subject and open are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When is it sensible to use susceptible instead of open?

The meanings of susceptible and open largely overlap; however, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of open
Verb
Sam’s glitch opens the door to several possibilities, implying that Mother is still out there or has left her residue on him. Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Pittsburgh Public Schools will open two new schools and an early childhood center, according to a press release from the district. Finch Walker, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Adjective
Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse Napoli is open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner; reservations are essential. Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 27 May 2026 Stay open to updating your views. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Noun
In Europe, stocks are heading for a mixed open. Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 27 May 2026 Here is what that choice forces into the open, and what most of us have spent our careers doing the opposite of. John Winsor, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
  • What are some potential solutions for when this problem arises again could be the key to unlocking another title, regardless of any personnel changes that might happen.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • According to the project information, restroom sites along the Beltline were selected in part because of their proximity to public Wi-Fi and connected areas, allowing international visitors to create Throne accounts and unlock the facilities without relying on mobile service.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • My father was running the skid steer outside, clearing the snow, leaving dirty white mounds to either side of the driveway that led from the house out to the range road.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • This issue will ease somewhat when Stevens is cleared to play without a minutes restriction in the coming weeks.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The deal with Curry, who is a household name in China, is expected to further boost Li-Ning’s popularity in the country and help expand the brand’s market share in the US.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • By greatly expanding the dimensions of his images, with their muted palettes, tight cropping, found symmetries, and laconic wit, had the maestro of the photographic epigram betrayed his subtractive aesthetic?
    James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The second season finale saw Deborah fire Ava to free her up to be her own person and chase her career, only for the two to boomerang back together.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 May 2026
  • Orbit Robotics says its mission isn't to replace astronauts but to free them.
    Omar Kardoudi May 29, New Atlas, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • As the journey progresses, a male driver and his female companion (neither pictured on-screen) begin to discuss the Winkie.
    Jonathan Odden, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • Herein, begins the first of many game drives.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Not all pads are alike, but a footprint on the larger side involves five to ten acres of cleared, packed ground that serves as the hub for drilling equipment, which can include wellheads, pump jacks, tanks, wastewater storage pits, trailers, and flare stacks.
    Alex Heard, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
  • What counts as a cleared sidewalk?
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 1 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The compromise would help appease hundreds of residents who complained at a five-hour public hearing Wednesday night about those cuts and some other proposals, including plans to eliminate the Office of Child and Youth Success.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • This might be as simple as a public argument – hissing whispers in an elevator.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Wildfire resiliency advocates are warning that the loss of these funds will leave the state vulnerable to devastation, and are calling on California’s next governor to take that threat seriously.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Why are school lunches still vulnerable to industry pressure?
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on open

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster